Exploring the Weirdness of God: Insights from Dr. Merrill G Greene
"The power of God hits human flesh, we’re all going to react in different ways, just like when we read the Word of God, we all have different interpretations." - Dr. Merrill G. Greene
In a recent episode Lindsy and I sat down with Dr. Merrill Greene to discuss his book, "The Weirdness of God," and his journey into understanding altered states of consciousness in the Bible and contemporary charismatic Christianity. This conversation delved into the unconventional and mysterious nature of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, providing listeners with a nuanced exploration of these profound topics. Below, we break down the key themes and insights from this enlightening discussion.
The Weirdness of God
Dr. Greene's exploration of the "weirdness" of God begins with biblical examples that illustrate the divine otherness and strangeness of God. He highlights stories such as:
The Burning Bush (Exodus 3:1-6):God appears to Moses in a burning bush that is not consumed by the fire, a powerful symbol of divine presence and mystery.
The Binding of Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19): God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, only to stop him at the last moment, showcasing the perplexing and often challenging nature of divine commands.
These stories underscore the idea that God's ways are not always easily understood by human logic, emphasizing the need for faith and trust in His divine plan.
The Weirdness of Jesus
Dr. Green also delves into the unconventional nature of Jesus, who often defied expectations and acted in ways that seemed contradictory to his mission. Key examples include:
Jesus' Parables: Jesus used parables to teach profound truths in ways that were often confusing to his listeners, challenging them to think deeply and seek understanding.
Miracles and Healings: Jesus performed miracles that defied natural laws, such as walking on water and raising the dead, demonstrating his divine authority and power.
These actions highlight the unique and often perplexing nature of Jesus' ministry, inviting believers to embrace the mystery and wonder of his life and teachings.
The Weirdness of the Holy Spirit
The conversation also explores the Holy Spirit's role in contemporary charismatic Christianity, particularly in relation to altered states of consciousness.
Trances and Ecstatic Episodes: Instances in the Bible where individuals fall into trances or experience ecstatic episodes through the Holy Spirit, such as Peter's vision in Acts 10:9-16.
Speaking in Tongues: The phenomenon of speaking in tongues, which can be perceived as strange and controversial. Dr. Greene shares his personal experience with this practice and the gift of interpretation, emphasizing the diverse interpretations of tongues as human or heavenly languages.
These experiences underscore the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the Holy Spirit's work in the lives of believers.
The Power of Praying in Tongues
I share a transformative experience with praying in tongues, recounting an assignment given to me by a spiritual director to pray in tongues for 30 minutes a day. This practice revolutionized my spiritual life and deepened my connection with the Holy Spirit. Key takeaways include:
Spiritual Transformation: Praying in tongues can lead to profound spiritual growth and a deeper sense of connection with God.
Diverse Experiences: The practice of speaking in tongues varies widely among individuals, highlighting the need for open-mindedness and understanding.
Navigating the Charismatic Movement
The conversation also addresses the complexities and challenges of navigating the charismatic movement, including:
Discernment: The importance of a personal relationship with God as the foundation for discernment and the development of spiritual gifts.
Prophetic Ministry: The scrutiny and potential misuse of prophetic ministry, emphasizing the need for integrity and accountability.
Theology of Intention: Understanding the intentions behind spiritual practices and the importance of aligning them with biblical principles.
Overcoming Fear and Trusting in God's Goodness
Dr. Greene emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's provision and goodness, particularly in the face of fear and uncertainty. Key points include:
Fear of Demonic Influence: Addressing concerns about demonic influence and the need to trust in God's protection.
Seeking the Holy Spirit: Encouraging believers to seek the Holy Spirit with confidence in God's inherent goodness.
Conclusion
The conversation with Dr. Greene on the Unrefined Podcast offers a deep dive into the complexities and nuances of the charismatic movement, discernment, and supernatural experiences within the context of faith and spirituality. By exploring the weirdness of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, listeners are invited to embrace the mystery and wonder of their faith, while also seeking a deeper understanding and connection with the divine.
